Conner has been banged up this season, dealing with a medial collateral ligament sprain and a hamstring injury. A source told the New York Daily News that the Jets hope to bring Conner back, but rules in place under the collective bargaining agreement preclude that possibility until late in the season.

The Jets signed linebacker Marcus Dowtin off the practice squad to fill the open roster spot.

Conner was a great source of pride to Jets coach Rex Ryan during the sixth season of HBO's "Hard Knocks" in 2010. A fifth-round draft pick that year, Connor brought power-blocking abilities that made Ryan swoon.

Lex Hilliard has performed well in Conner's place, likely playing a role in the Jets' decision.

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"I do really like the way Hilliard's played," Ryan said. "He's done a tremendous job for us stepping in, not just as a fullback, but even on special teams. He's been a really good addition. With that being said, we'll see. There could be a possibility down that road that you have both those guys on your team."

The Jets believed they hit on a draft steal with Conner two summers ago. The honeymoon apparently is over.